Spatially Confined π-Complexation within Pore-Space-Partitioned Metal-Organic Frameworks for Enhanced Light Hydrocarbon Separation and Purification

Ultramicroporous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are demonstrated to be advantageous for the separation and purification of light hydrocarbons such as C2H2, C2H4, and CH4. The introduction of transition metal sites with strong π-complexation affinity into MOFs is more effective than other adsorption sites for the selective adsorption of π-electron-rich unsaturated hydrocarbon gases from their mixtures. However, lower coordination numbers make it challenging to produce robust MOFs directly utilizing metal ions with π-coordination activity, such as Cu+, Ag+, and Pd2+. Herein, a series of novel π-complexing MOFs (SNNU-33s) with a pore size of 4.6 Å are precisely constructed by cleverly introducing symmetrically matched C3-type [Cu(pyz)3] (pyz = pyrazine) coordinated fragments into 1D hexagonal channels of MIL-88 prototype frameworks. Benifit from the spatial confinement combined with π-complex-active Cu+ of [Cu(pyz)3], pore-space-partitioned SNNU-33 MOFs all present excellent C2H2/CH4, C2H4/CH4, and CO2/CH4 separation ability. Notably, the optimized SNNU-33b adsorbent demonstrates top-level IAST selectivity values for C2H2/CH4 (597.4) and C2H4/CH4 (69.8), as well as excellent breakthrough performance. Theoretical calculations further reveal that such benchmark light hydrocarbon separation and purification ability is mainly ascribed to the extra-strong binding affinity between Cu+ and π-electron donor molecules via a spatially confined π-complexation process.

Tuning the mechanical properties of sol-gel monolithic metal-organic frameworks by ligand engineering

The sol-gel monolithic MOFs has come to prominent attention for industrial application owing to the higher powder packing density, enhanced processabilities and mechanical stabilities compared to the powder counterpart. The mechanical properties are particularly important during machine shaping processing because of porous framework structure. We used ligand engineering to design and synthesize monoUiO-66-type materials modified different chemical functional groups (-NH2, -2OH, -2COOH) by sol-gel method, with the aim to assess the impact of different functional groups on the mechanical properties of these monolithic materials based on nanoindentation technology. We observe larger mass and sterically bulky functional groups (-2COOH) can significantly decrease the BET areas and pore volume of monoUiO-66 through N2 adsorption isotherms at 77 K. Hence, the two -COOH groups modified monoUiO-66 tends to exhibit the higher H of 0.589 ± 0.018 GPa and E of 15.471 ± 0.250 GPa compared with monoUiO-66 modified with -NH2 (0.334 ± 0.009 GPa/11.959 ± 0.243 GPa) and -2OH (0.331 ± 0.008 GPa/10.251 ± 0.142 GPa) groups. The creep indentation tests and the jump indentation tests further demonstrate the modification by larger functional groups -COOH on monoUiO-66 could resist irreversible plastic deformation. Furthermore, the monoUiO-66-(COOH)2 has significantly smaller the activation volume of 0.34 ∼ 0.43 nm3, highlighting the introduction of -COOH groups reduced the pore volume and restrict the number of pores involved in one collapse event. Our results demonstrate the larger mass and sterically bulky functional groups have significant influence on the mechanical properties of the monoMOFs materials.

A gas-selective Zn-MOF exhibits selective sensing of Fe3+ ions by doping with Tb3

Here, a new Zn2+ metal organic framework, {[Me2NH2][Zn2(L)(DTZ)]·2DMF·3H2O}n (Zn-MOF), has been synthesized with low-symmetric carboxylic acid ligand 2,6 bis(2',5'-dicarboxyphenyl)pyridine (H4L) as the main ligand and 3,5-diamino-1,2,4-riazole (DTZ) containing an electron-rich N atom as an auxiliary ligand. Because of its high structural stability and adsorption properties, it can be used to efficiently separate CO2/CH4 and C2H2/CH4. In addition, Tb@Zn-MOF was obtained by doping with Tb3+ to partially replace Zn2+. A study of its luminescence sensing performance demonstrated that Tb@Zn-MOF showed intense luminescence properties and can be used for the directional detection of Fe3+ in aqueous solution. Furthermore, PXRD analysis, UV-vis spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were also used to study possible luminescence sensing mechanisms. The recognition mechanism for Fe3+ ions is believed to be caused by electron transfer.

Development of a Mixed Multinuclear Cluster Strategy in Metal-Organic Frameworks for Methane Purification and Storage

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted extensive attention in methane (CH4) purification and storage. Specially, multinuclear cluster-based MOFs usually have prominent performance because of large cluster size and abundant open metal sites. However, compared to diverse combinations of organic linkers, one MOF with two or more multinuclear clusters is difficult to achieve. In this paper, we demonstrate a mixed multinuclear cluster strategy, which successfully led to three new heterometallic MOFs (SNNU-328-330) with the same common H3TATB [2,4,6-tris(4-carboxyphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine] tritopic linker and six types of multinuclear clusters ([YCd(COO)4(μ2-H2O)], [YCd2(COO)8], [In3(COO)6(μ3-OH)], [In3Eu2(COO)9(μ3-OH)3(μ4-O)], [Y9(COO)12(μ3-OH)14] and [Y2Cd8(COO)16(μ2-H2O)4(μ3-OH)8]). Three MOF adsorbents all show great potentials to remove the impurities (CO2 and C2-hydrocarbons) in natural gas and show prominent high-pressure methane storage capacity. Among them, the ideal adsorbed solution theory separation ratios of equimolar C2H2/CH4, C2H4/CH4, C2H6/CH4, and CO2/CH4 at 298 K for SNNU-328 reach to 29.7-16.0, 19.1-8.2, 33.2-10.3, and 74.3-8.5, which have surpassed many famous MOF adsorbents. Dynamic breakthrough experiments conducted at 273 and 298 K showed that SNNU-330 can separate CH4 from C2H2/CH4, C2H4/CH4, C2H6/CH4, and CO2/CH4 mixtures with the breakthrough interval times of about 48.2, 17.9, 37.2, and 17.1 min g-1 (273 K, 1 bar, v/v = 50/50, 2 mL min-1), respectively. Remarkably, SNNU-329 exhibits extremely high methane storage performance at 298 K with the total uptake and working capacity of 192 cm3 cm-3 (95 bar) and 171 cm3 cm-3 (65 bar) due to the synergistic effects of high surface area, suitable pore sizes, and multiple open metal sites.

Pore Environmental Modification by Alkoxy Groups in Pore-Space-Partitioned Metal-Organic Frameworks to Achieve Gas Uptake-Selectivity Balance

Due to the trade-off barrier between high storage capacity and high selectivity, the controllable and systematic design of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) aiming at performance optimization is still challenging. Herein, considering the effectiveness of alkoxy group functionalization and a pore-space partition strategy, a series of rigid Mg-pacs-MOFs (SNNU-10-n, n = 1-6) with flexible side chains are built for the first time, realizing systematic pore environmental modification. The steric hindrance effects, electron-donating ability, and the flexibility of alkoxy groups are considered as key factors, which lead to a regular change of gas adsorption capacity and selectivity. Notably, methoxy-modified SNNU-10-1 with moderately high storage capacities of C₂H₂ (139.4 cm³ g^-1), C₂H₄ (100.4 cm³ g^-1), CO₂ (105.0 cm³ g^-1), and high selectivity values for equimolar C₂H₂/CH₄ (431.8), C₂H₄/CH₄ (164.2), and CO₂/CH₄ (16.1) mixture separation at 273 K and 100 kPa achieves an ideal gas uptake-selectivity balance. Breakthrough experiments verified that it could effectively separate the above-mentioned mixtures under ambient conditions, and GCMC simulation provides a deep understanding of methoxy group functionalization. Undoubtedly, this work not only realizes controllable regulation of gas adsorption behavior but also proves the validity of improving selectivity by alkoxy groups in those platforms with high gas-uptake potential to overcome the trade-off barrier.

Two Stable Sodalite-Cage-Based MOFs for Highly Gas Selective Capture and Conversion in Cycloaddition Reaction

Stable metal-organic frameworks, containing periodically arranged nanosized cages or pores and active Lewis acid-base sites, are considered ideal candidates for efficient heterogeneous catalysis. Herein, based on the light of reticular chemistry design principles, the ingenious assembly of two pyridine N-rich multifunctional triangular linkers, H₃TBA [3,5-di (1h-tetrazol-5-yl) benzoic acid] and H₂TZI [5-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)isophthalic acid], with Mn^II formed PCP-33(Mn) and PCP-34(Mn), respectively. PCP-33(Mn) and PCP-34(Mn) are typical sod topology zeolitic metal-organic frameworks (ZMOFs) with hierarchical tetragonal micropores and metal organic polyhedral sodalite-like cages. The inner walls of these cages are modified by open metal sites Mn^II and Lewis acid-base sites of halide ions and N pyridine atoms. The characteristics of the cages' structures make two MOFs exhibit high surface area and a small window, which promote their outstanding gas capture ability (C₂H₂, 131.8 cm³ g^-1; CO₂, 77.9 cm³ g^-1 at 273 K) and selective separation performance (C₂H₂/CH₄, 226.2, CO₂/CH₄, 50.3 at 298 K), and are also suitable as catalytic reactors for metal/solvent-free chemical fixation of CO₂ with epoxides to achieve high-efficiency CO₂ conversion. Furthermore, they are greatly recyclable for several cycles while retaining their structural rigidity and catalytic activity.

Highly selective C2H2 and CO2 capture based on two new ZnII-MOFs and fluorescence sensing of two doped MOFs with EuIII

Two Zn(ii)-based MOFs have been constructed. The activated Zn-MOF1 and Zn-MOF2 show selective separation of C2H2 and CO2 over CH4. Eu@Zn-MOF1 and Eu@Zn-MOF2 were obtained by adding EuIII ions and showed selectivity to Fe3+ ions in aqueous solution.

A (3,8)-Connected Metal-Organic Framework with Bending Dicarboxylate Linkers for C2H2/CO2 Separation

Herein, by replacement of the linear terephthalate linker with the bending 2,5-thiophenedicarboxylate (tdc^2-) linker in the typical (3,9)-connected metal-organic framework, with a reduced 8-connected hydroxyl-centered trinuclear cluster, a new (3,8)-connected network, [Ni₃(μ₃-OH)(tdc)₃(tpp)] [DZU-1; tpp = 2,4,6-tris(4-pyridyl)pyridine], was synthesized. The modified pore environment enables DZU-1 to selectively adsorb C₂H₂ over CO₂ in an efficient manner.

The anionic Zn-MOF composed of 1D columnar SBUs for highly C2H2/CH4 selective adsorption, dye adsorption and fluorescence sensing

An anionic three-dimensional framework {(Me2NH2)2[Zn8(L)6(ad)4(μ4-O)]·10DMF·11H2O}(Zn-MOF, L2-=4,4'-(3-aminopyridine-2,5-diyl)dibenzoic acid, ad-=adeninate) with a column-layered structure was synthesized. Structural studies show that the Zn-MOF has octahedral cages [Zn8(ad)4(μ4-O)], adjacent cages are connected by O...

Fluoro-Bridged Clusters in Rare-Earth Metal-Organic Frameworks

The modulator 2-fluorobenzoic acid (2-fba) is widely used to prepare RE clusters in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). In contrast to known RE MOF structures containing hydroxide bridging groups, we report for the first time the possible presence of fluoro bridging groups in RE MOFs. In this report we discuss the synthesis of a holmium-UiO-66 analogue as well as a novel holmium MOF, where evidence of fluorinated clusters is observed. The mechanism of fluorine extraction from 2-fba is discussed as well as the implications that these results have for previously reported RE MOF structures.

A cobalt-based coordination polymer with a tripodal carboxylate ligand: synthese, structure and properties

A new cobalt-based coordination polymer (CP), [Co(Htatb)(1,4-bib)]·DMF (1), has been hydrothermally synthesized from CoCl2 ·6H2O, 4,4′,4′′-s-triazine-2,4,6-tribenzoic acid (H3tatb), and 1,4-bis(1-imidazoly)benzene (1,4-bib). The product has been characterized by IR spectroscopy, elemental and thermogravimetric analysis, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. In compound 1, the Htatb ligand links three CoII ions resulting in a double-strand chain structure, further bridged through the 1,4-bib ligands to generate a 2D structure with channels. The fluorescence and cyclovoltammetry characteristics of compound 1 have also been investigated.

Two Tb-metal organic frameworks with different metal cluster nodes for C2H2/CO2 separation

Through regulating the reaction solvent and temperature, two Tb-based metal-organic frameworks, ((CH₃)₂NH₂)₂[Tb₉(μ₃-OH)₈(μ₂-OH)₃(PTB)₆]·(DMF)₁₄·(H₂O)₁₉ (1) and ((CH₃)₂NH₂)₃{[Tb₉(μ₃-O)₂(μ₃-OH)₁₂(H₂O)₆][Tb₃(μ₃-O)(HCO₂)₃ (PTB)₆]}·(DMF)₁₂·(H₂O)₇ (2) (H₃PTB = pyridine-2,4,6-tribenzoic acid), have been synthesized. Structural analysis showed that the cluster node of 1 is a Tb₉ cluster, while 2 contains two different nodes of a Tb₃ cluster and a Tb₉ cluster, which leads to their different pore structures and may potentially separate C₂H₂/CO₂. Gas adsorption demonstrates that both MOFs can separate C₂H₂ and CO₂, but 2 has a more optimized pore environment than 1 and can exhibit better selective separation of C₂H₂/CO₂.

Construction of three new Co(ii)-organic frameworks based on diverse metal clusters: highly selective C2H2 and CO2 capture and magnetic properties

Three Co(ii)-MOFs have been synthesized. The desolvated frameworks of 2 and 3 exhibit good adsorption selectivity for C₂H₂ and CO₂ over CH₄ at 273 and 298 K. Moreover, 1–3 show that there exist antiferromagnetic interactions between metal ions.

Four anionic Ln-MOFs for remarkable separation of C2H2–CH4/CO2–CH4 and highly sensitive sensing of nitrobenzene

Ln-MOFs with open metal active sites and Lewis basic nitrogen atoms show highly sensitive sensing of nitrobenzene and remarkable separations of C₂H₂–CH₄/CO₂–CH₄.

A Y(III)-based Metal-Organic Framework as a Carrier in Chemodynamic Therapy

A biocompatible Y(III)-based metal-organic framework [Y₄(TATB)₂]·(DMF)_3.5·(H₂O) (ZJU-16, H₃TATB= 4,4',4''-(1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triyl) tribenzoic acid) was synthesized, and it was adopted to load Mn²⁺ for chemodynamic therapy. Meanwhile, ibuprofen sodium (IBUNa), an anti-inflammatory drug, was introduced to increase the amount of Mn²⁺ (about 5.66 wt %) due to the low loading capacity of Mn²⁺. Mn&IBUNa@ZJU-16 which was loaded by Mn²⁺ and IBUNa exhibited significant effects of chemodynamic therapy and excellent inhibition of the 4T1 tumor cell growth, implying its long-term prospects in chemodynamic therapy and its possibility in bimodal cancer therapy.

Tuning the Pore Surface of an Ultramicroporous Framework for Enhanced Methane and Acetylene Purification Performance

Both methane (CH₄) and acetylene (C₂H₂) are important energy source and raw chemicals in many industrial processes. The development of an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly separation and purification strategy for CH₄ and C₂H₂ is necessary. Ultramicroporous metal-organic framework (MOF) materials have shown great success in the separation and purification of small-molecule gases. Herein, the synergy effect of tritopic polytetrazolate and ditopic terephthalate ligands successfully generates a series of isoreticular ultramicroporous cadmium tetrazolate-carboxylate MOF materials (SNNU-13-16) with excellent CH₄ and C₂H₂ purification performance. Except for the uncoordinated tetrazolate N atoms serving as Lewis base sites, the pore size and pore surface of MOFs are systematically engineered by regulating dicarboxylic acid ligands varying from OH-BDC (SNNU-13) to Br-BDC (SNNU-14) to NH₂-BDC (SNNU-15) to 1,4-NDC (SNNU-16). Benefiting from the ultramicroporous character (3.8-5.9 Å), rich Lewis base N sites, and tunable pore environments, all of these ultramicroporous MOFs exhibit a prominent separation capacity for carbon dioxide (CO₂) or C2 hydrocarbons from CH₄ and C₂H₂. Remarkably, SNNU-16 built by 1,4-NDC shows the highest ideal adsorbed solution theory CO₂/CH₄, ethylene (C₂H₄)/CH₄, and C₂H₂/CH₄ separation selectivity values, which are higher than those of most famous MOFs with or without open metal sites. Dynamic breakthrough experiments show that SNNU-16 can also efficiently separate the C₂H₂/CO₂ mixtures with a gas flow rate of 4 mL min^-1 under 1 bar and 298 K. The breakthrough time (18 min g^-1) surpasses most best-gas-separation MOFs and nearly all other metal azolate-carboxylate MOF materials under the same conditions. The above prominently CH₄ and C₂H₂ purification abilities of SNNU-13-16 materials were further confirmed by the Grand Canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulations.

Metal-Organic Frameworks Based on Group 3 and 4 Metals

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) based on group 3 and 4 metals are considered as the most promising MOFs for varying practical applications including water adsorption, carbon conversion, and biomedical applications. The relatively strong coordination bonds and versatile coordination modes within these MOFs endow the framework with high chemical stability, diverse structures and topologies, and interesting properties and functions. Herein, the significant progress made on this series of MOFs since 2018 is summarized and an update on the current status and future trends on the structural design of robust MOFs with high connectivity is provided. Cluster chemistry involving Y, lanthanides (Ln, from La to Lu), actinides (An, from Ac to Lr), Ti, and Zr is initially introduced. This is followed by a review of recently developed MOFs based on group 3 and 4 metals with their structures discussed based on the types of inorganic or organic building blocks. The novel properties and arising applications of these MOFs in catalysis, adsorption and separation, delivery, and sensing are highlighted. Overall, this review is expected to provide a timely summary on MOFs based on group 3 and 4 metals, which shall guide the future discovery and development of stable and functional MOFs for practical applications.

Structural Tuning and Pore Modulation of Three Cu(II)-Organic Frameworks: Enhancement of Stability and Functionality

Through use of an irregular pentacarboxylate ligand, 2,2'-(pyridine-2,6-diyl)diterephthalic acid (H₄L), two Cu(II)-based metal-organic frameworks, {[(Me₂NH₂)_0.5][Cu_0.75(L)_0.5(DMA)_0.375]·H₂O}_n (1) and {[Cu₄(L)₂(H₂O)₄]·4DMF·8H₂O}_n (2), have been synthesized. A structural analysis demonstrates that 1 is a 2D layer and 2 shows a 3D framework, which exhibit hopeful possibilities for the selective separations of C₂H₂/CH₄ and CO₂/CH₄. To enhance the adsorption properties, 5-amino-1H-tetrazole (HAT) has been introduced in the synthesis system, and a new framework, {[Cu₄(L)₂(ATZ)₂(H₂O)]·5DMF·5H₂O}_n (3), has been obtained. 3 is a 3D framework. Especially, 3 is constructed from multiple SBUs and displays an unusual (3,4,6)-connected topology. Furthermore, especially 3 performs better than 1 and 2 in terms of uptake capacity as well as adsorption selectivity, which might be ascribed to the more proper pore space of 3.

A biocompatible metal-organic framework as a pH and temperature dual-responsive drug carrier

A biocompatible metal-organic framework Zn-GA comprising zinc ions and the bio-friendly molecule l-glutamic acid (GA) is synthesized as a drug delivery system, and controlled drug release triggered by pH and thermal stimuli without premature delivery is realized. The anticancer drug methotrexate (MTX) is selected to be encapsulated into the crystal which possesses one-dimensional channels along the a axis. The on-command drug carrier shows superior biocompatibility, extremely low toxicity, satisfactory loading capabilities and excellent dual-responsiveness, indicating its practical application as an efficient drug carrier with controlled release.

Three cobalt-based coordination polymers with tripodal carboxylate and imidazole-containing ligands: syntheses, structures, properties and DFT studies

The tripodal carboxylate ligand can be employed in Co(ii) salt/imidazole-containing ligand systems to generate 1D chain, 2D layer, and 2D to 3D network, and the fluorescence properties of 1–3 and magnetic behavior of 1 and 2 have been investigated.

Highly selective C2H2 and CO2 capture and magnetic properties of a robust Co-chain based metal–organic framework

A robust Co-MOF based on uncommon 1D alternate Co₄ chain units was synthesized, which efficiently takes up C₂H₂ and CO₂ with significant selectivity for C₂H₂ and CO₂ over CH₄, as well as shows a slow freezing process of magnetic behavior.

Robustness, Selective Gas Separation, and Nitrobenzene Sensing on Two Isomers of Cadmium Metal-Organic Frameworks Containing Various Metal-O-Metal Chains

Poor stability has been one of the major difficulties affecting to the practical application of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). In this work, we obtained two 3D structurally isomeric Cd-MOFs, {[Cd₆(NH₂Me₂)₂(PTB)₄(HCOO)₂(H₂O)]·(DMF)₁₃·(H₂O)₄} _n (FJU-35) and {[Cd₆(NH₂Me₂)₂(PTB)₄(HCOO)₂]·(DMF)₆·(H₂O)₂} _n (FJU-36) (H₃PTB = pyridine-2,4,6-tribenzoic acid) containing different Cd^II-O-Cd^II chains by varying the addition agents. FJU-35 with coordinated solvent and formate in asymmetric μ₃-η¹:η² coordination mode within the Cd^II-O-Cd^II chains is vulnerable to external attacks and is apt to collapse after activation, while FJU-36 with no coordinated solvent in the Cd^II-O-Cd^II chains but fully protected by the carboxylates from the ligands and the symmetric formate in the coordination mode μ₃-η²:η² is stable, and its activated sample shows efficient separation of C₂H₂/CH₄ and C₂H₂/CO₂ mixtures. Conversely, FJU-35 with more vulnerability is more sensitive to the detection of nitrobenzene than FJU-36.